Kathryn Page, Katie to the few her knew her best, had always been a girl who knew what she wanted in life. No, perhaps that wasn't the way to define it. Katie did, however, know exactly what she did not want in life. All it took were a few quick flashes of her past, and the girl knew that though most of her destiny was a matter of give or take...she would never return to the place she'd called home for the past year. It had hardly been terrible, but now, with only an empty house to return to...why bother?
It had begun some twenty-three years ago, on the eve of a star's death, or so her father - ever the avid astronomer had said. While most were out celebrating (as it was also mere hours before the New Year), Edwin Turner had rushed his young wife Emily to the nearest hospital and set up camp with his six year old son Ben as they awaited the arrival of their newest kin. At exactly one minute after midnight, Kathryn had entered into a strange new world, peering up at the doctors with a shock of flame red hair and the most piercing blue eyes anyone had ever seen. Approximately two minutes after midnight, Edwin held his daughter to his breast and murmured a sentence that hovered almost prophetically over the young infant.
"Katie, my love...I can't shake the feeling you're going to be something very special."
Indeed, Katie had progressed into a strikingly beautiful young girl full of talent and potential. Both she and her brother excelled in their schooling and extra activities, and when their father accepted a job at Starfleet during Katie's twelfth year, she had had a unique knack for fitting in around the campus despite her young age. Her brother soon left for college leaving Katie to flourish amongst the academic culture. She had managed to graduate at 16 and completed her initial Fleet training three years later, much to the pride of her parents. An additional three years later she finished medical training, and her family was delighted to hear she had been accepted on as a doctor. Their celebration, however, was meant to be short lived.
Driving home after a family meal, her parents collided with another vehicle, and, in an instant, everything changed. How Katie had managed to survive was beyond her comprehension, and in truth, most of the accident was a haze. A few bursts of searing light, lingering phantom pain across the shoulder that had been completely shattered, the sound of her mother weeping, then the utter silence that had hung until the darkness closed upon her mind. She woke days later surrounded by medical personnel and a figure that seemed oddly familiar. Later, she discovered that the mysterious being was Vulcan professor at the academy. He had discovered the wreckage and was largely responsible for her survival. The information was instantly forgotten once she received word of her parent's death. For days she sat silent, refusing to converse with anyone. Once or twice, she'd been told that her rescuer had come to speak with her, but the pain of her loss was too fresh, and Katie turned him away with a stubborn anguish.
Two months later, she was well enough to leave the medical ward, and when Ben offered her a place to stay, Katie hadn't blinked twice. She left everything she owned behind, and when they finally arrived at her brother's home a week later, the would-be doctor locked herself in her new room and wept.
Now, twelve months later, Kathryn sat with her feet dangling of the edge of the cliff she'd claimed here in the dark. No, she wasn't going back 'home'. Not to the home Ben had shared with her so graciously. When he returned home from his latest government endeavor the following day, he'd receive the written explanation Katie knew he'd think was long overdue. Her brother had told her graciously every night, when he held her and helped the tears dry, that she was made for more than this. That she was made to be more than a broken doll. As much as she'd hated him for telling the truth, Kathryn knew he was right. A year in solace was a waste if nothing could come of it. She had spent the last week thinking of where she could go, what she could do, and as much as the answer haunted her, she knew it was the only one.
Starfleet.
No, she wasn't going back to rectify the past; the past was something she had no dominion over. Katie was going back to blaze a future; A future devoid of pity and apathy. All it took was a phone call, and Katie had packed up what little she had acquired and had promised to be on the next shuttle back to the academy. Now, looking down at the pit below her, a wry smile crossed her lips. Once, years earlier, she'd asked Ben how you knew if you were making the right decision. His answer had been so earnest that even now it warmed her heart.
"Well, Katie...Sometimes you don't. Sometimes you make it the right decision. Sometimes...you just...leap."
A black car kicked up dust in the night as it sped towards blinking lights in the distance. Some miles away, a rugged man entered into the kitchen of his surprisingly empty home. His voice echoed off the walls, ceasing as he stumbled upon a sheet of white against the counter. His lips pulled into a smile.
You were right. Sometimes, you just have to leap.